This is not the focus of the book-and the protagonists homosexuality really serves more than anything to emphasize his alienation in a fascist state, but threre it is. There is some description of sexual acts between two men in this book-and also of absent longing of one man for another. The caveat first: the protagonist of this magnificent alternate history-set in a world where England rather than Germany suffered humiliating defeat in The Great War and subsequently descends into fascism-is a homosexual. This Age is ending, in fire and in death.5? Story, With Perfect Narration & One Caveat. For all is not well in England's green and pleasant land. Roaming the vast Brobdignagian city, all colours, smells and danger, exploring its myriad social layers, from petty criminals and revolutionaries to salon mistresses and opium dreamers, he discovers secrets that will lead him back towards the clouded hills of Bracebridge and the deepest mysteries of aether. Fleeing to London, he re-encounters the beautiful, mercurial and mysterious Anna Winters, who he first met on a trip to a strange white palace in happier times. Raised in the Yorkshire town of Bracebridge, a place dominated by the pounding of mighty subterranean engines, Robert witnesses the dark side of aether when his mother is transformed into a changeling less than human, terrible to see. Yet in this great age of the world, Robert Borrows, the insignificant son of a Lesser Toolmaker, holds the key to the world's future.

It is a place of enchanted gardens and grimy terraces, smokestack factories and fantastic beasts. Through the power of aether, and through the secrets and mysteries of the guilds that wield it, England has created a mighty Industrial Age. Aether drives the engines, the telegraphs, the very lights of London. (However, the UK edition features the outstanding jacket illustration by Edward Miller. However, it's official published date is and precedes the official publication date of Jfor the UK edition published by Earthlight. Identified as the 'First American Edition May 2003' on the copyright page.

Not a remainder, book club nor ex-library copy. Ace 2003 First Edition Hardcover Murrello, Judith Fine in Very good jacket with some minor edgewear.

The Summer Isles by Ian R. MacLeod